We have all heard the phrase no man is an island. We must depend on each other to help us through the tough times of life—whether spiritual or natural. In addition, not every friend is going to be on the same level. Jesus called all of the 12 disciples friends; however, He only took three of them to the Mount of Transfiguration. Like Jesus, we need to have friends on different levels—because there will come times when we will need each one of them.

All around you are Christians who are waiting for your input, lonely for your love, hungry for what you know about Jesus that they do not know yet. They need what you have to offer; and conversely, you need what they have to offer. The point is to expose yourself to the right people, at the right time, in the right places.

I saw a list one time that expands the list I just gave you. This list shows how we are to care for one another. When you eliminate the repetitions, did you know they boil down to only 13? Look:

Suffering together. (I Corinthian 12:26)

Rejoicing together. (Romans 12:15)

Carrying each other’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2)

Restoring each other. (Galatians 6:1)

Praying for one another. (Romans 15:30)

Teaching and admonishing one another. (Colossians 3:16)

Refreshing one another. (Romans 15:32)

Encouraging one another. (Romans 1:12)

Forgiving each other. (Ephesians 4:32)

Confessing to one another. (James 5:16)

Being truthful with one another. (Ephesians 4:32)

Spurring one another toward good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24)

Giving to one another. (Philippians 4:14-15)

The question at the bottom of that page said:

“Have I placed myself so deeply within a living, functioning local body that I myself am functioning in all these ways, and so living as a well-rounded, healthy, contributing member of the Body of Christ?”

This is the purpose of small groups within most churches. There is no way a church of several hundred can care for each other—without the support and strength provided by home churches—or small groups. I have a whole study on this topic entitled, Dust and Stars. If you care to understand your role within the church, I encourage you to download it at: http://home.comcast.net/~nickolas.hiemstra/dust-stars.pdf